My dad was in corporate sales throughout my childhood, which meant that he traveled quite a bit. When he was home I wanted to be around him and do whatever he was doing. Since he thoroughly enjoyed watching 60 Minutes every Sunday, I would sit and watch with him. As I got older we began to have in-depth conversations about political issues. These conversations morphed into an interest in governing, at least on the elementary and high school levels, where I was elected to serve as student council president and class president. Given the predominately white suburb of Atlanta where I grew up, being the “first black” (and yes, “first black,” was the phrase used) to hold those leadership positions was a big deal. At a young age I was interested in understanding how to craft messages and appeal to the emotions of students from various cliques to help me win elections. I assumed that this interest in politics meant attending law school upon receiving my degree in political science. However, being accepted to the summer 2007 class of the Ralph Bunche Summer Institute taught me that I could channel my interests in emotions, framing, group identities, public opinion and political decision-making into a career as a political scientist. Had it not been for Dr. Paula McClain, Dr. Kerry Haynie, Dr. Scott de Marchi and the other Bunche teaching assistants, I would have never known that this world existed and for them, I am eternally grateful. 

Believe in yourself. Throughout life you will encounter plenty of people that will, at some point, make you question your intelligence, self-worth, work ethic, and a whole host of personal characteristics. Be open to accepting constructive criticism but do not be too hard on yourself. Sometimes it is good to revisit those words by our favorite childhood characters. One of my favorites is from Christopher Robin (or A. A. Milne) in Winnie the Pooh, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”